“We’re shooting pistols in Earl Bolderwood’s backyard?” Jasmine repeated. She took Matthew’s arm and allowed him to lead her through Lord Bolderwood’s manor.
“Yes, it’s something we do as a family.” Matthew grinned at her.
He wore a deep green frock coat, leather boots, and a white cravat so loose that it threatened to fall off. Caroline and Cassandra walked ahead, arm-in-arm in cotton day dresses, while she and Matthew trailed behind.
“Have you ever shot a pistol, Lady Jasmine?” Matthew asked.
“No. I’ve never had the opportunity.”
“It’s so much fun!” Caroline exclaimed.
“Even Caroline knows how?”
“Of course,” Caroline said. “I’m not good at it, but I enjoy it.”
Jasmine asked Cassandra, “Do you know how to shoot?”
Cassandra blushed. “Seth taught me.”
Jasmine was sure hehad.Her eyes trailed to Cassandra’s belly—just starting to show—and she smirked. “Good for you, Cassandra.”
Matthew rolled his eyes.
Once outside, Jasmine inhaled the scent of fresh-cut grass. Damp earth sank lightly beneath her boots with each step. The sound of gunshots peppered the air. At the far end of the lawn, a group of wooden targets painted with black and white circles were set at varying distances. Standing in a row, Seth, Lord Blackmoor, and Trevor aimed pistols downrange. One after the other, they fired their rounds inperfect rhythm.Pop-pop-pop.Lingering wisps of smoke curled from the ends of the barrels.
Ahead, three blankets lay on the ground, held down by a wicker hamper and shaded by a row of oversized blue parasols. Cassandra and Caroline moved to sit on a blanket. After releasing Matthew’s arm, Jasmine sank to her knees next to them then reached for the hamper.
Inside, she found sandwiches and sweets. She grabbed a lemon curd tart, then took a bite. The crunch of a buttery, flaky crust soothed the sour tang.
Matthew stepped forward and addressed the family.
“Gather around!” he called out. “It’s time to playTake the Crown!”
A hush fell over the family, as if a great decision was being made. Seth and Lord Blackmoor shared a glance. Trevor and Caroline shrugged at each other, tilting their heads and nodding, as if having a full conversation. When no one stepped forward, Matthew chuckled.
“What’s this? I have no challengers?” He spread his arms wide. “Not one of you has been practicing?”
“I have.” Trevor squared his shoulders and swaggered up to Matthew with the confidence of a new adult. “I’ll challenge you, Uncle.”
“That’s a good lad. Let’s see how good a teacher Papa is.” Matthew ruffled Trevor’s hair. “Any other takers?”
“I want to!” Caroline called out.
Lord Blackmoor lifted his hand and nodded.
Seth cracked his knuckles. “Count me in. I could use the practice.”
Matthew turned to Jasmine. With devilish charm, he cooed, “What do you say, future wife? Would you like to play?”
“What’s the game?”
“Three shots, best two out of three,” Caroline explained. “Whoever wins challenges Matthew for theCrown.”
“What is theCrown?” Jasmine asked. “Whatdoes the winner get?”
“The right to be called King,” Cassandra drawled.
“Or Queen!” Caroline supplied.
